Is ‘Tanda Putera’ another GE propaganda?
(fz.com) – A few days ago it was reported the film was screened for “invited” and “selected” students of the university. And the powers that be made it compulsory for undergraduates who are members of the varsity’s police volunteer corp and air force reserve officers training unit to attend. Now why would they do that?
WHAT Datuk Seri Rais Yatim said yesterday about the selective screening of the Tanda Putera film which many accuse “smacks of racism” is interesting. The information, communications and culture minister was reported to have said he was not made known of the selective screening of the film and the organisers (of the screenings) may have contravened cabinet directive.
As we know, last November the cabinet decided the Suhaimi Baba film, funded by Finas (read public fund) was not appropriate for public screening, at least after GE 13. This followed allegations that the film which portrayed the May 13 riots “contained racial elements”. And the government, by virtue of being the funder of the film, was accused of using it as an election propaganda tool.
But we also know of late, the film has been screened behind closed doors to specially selected audiences – which Rais was asked about by the media. Hence he said what he said and went on to say this: “We (his ministry) have been adhering to the cabinet decision and are not involved with any official or unofficial screening by those who possess their own means and methods as well as their own agenda”.
Now that’s the interesting part.
Interesting because one of the two selective screenings thus far were held for some 3,000 Felda settlers upon “instruction” of the prime minister. Well, that’s what a deputy minister in the PM’s Department said anyway.
Datuk Ahmad Maslan who is in charge of Felda affairs (he is also Umno information chief) was quoted by news portal Malaysiakini as saying “the film is not in cinemas but this historical film is important, I have been told by PM. The PM asked it to be screened for Felda settlers.” Ahmad Maslan and the PM until now have not denied that. Meaning that statement stands.
So the film was screened for the Felda settlers during an event in PWTC, Kuala Lumpur. Also present was former PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. This was in mid-February this year.
As the film has always been seen as one with racial undertones and BN propaganda, is PM Najib, advocator of 1Malaysia, dabbling in racial politics? And “resurrecting the ghosts of the May 13 riots” to win election?
Read more at: http://fz.com/content/tanda-putera-another-ge-propaganda
